Did you know that, on average, home sewists end up with a third of their fabric left over after a project as scraps? If you do more than a little sewing, that scrap pile (or cabbage patch, according to some) can build up fast! Thirty percent is too much to waste, and most crafters are pretty thrifty and economical, so we end up keeping them for smaller projects. I’ve put together a list of ten fabric crafts that would be a perfect way to use up some of those scraps. To mix things up a little, I’ve compiled a list of activities aimed at a range of ages, from very little crafters to older kids or adults.
Cardboard Patchwork Collage House
Photo from artbarblog.com and @artseeds.ie
This is such a perfect scrap-stash-buster activity! Depending on how little the crafters are who you’re doing this activity with, you could allow them to cut out the pieces themselves if they’re a little older. As a child of a crafter, I remember finding my mum’s pinking shears and thinking they were awesome, and if I had been doing this craft I would have had a good reason to use them!
Button Flowers
Photo from creativefamilyfun.net
I love how unique to the crafter these will be! I don’t know about you but I love to see craft buttons in use. I think it’s because I see those little pouches of assorted buttons in the craft store and I want them all! But you can so rarely use them on garments because there’s usually only a few matching ones in each of those bags, but there’s always so many cute buttons that I just adore these sorts of crafts so I can finally see them in use!
Want to learn more button craft projects? I got you! Check out our blog Creative Ways to Use Buttons for Crafting Projects.
Felt Four Seasons Tree
Photo from barleyandbirch.com
When my daughter was little she really loved those felt play boards. She’d make so many scenes and dress the little felt dolls in different outfits… Well, she would have LOVED this one, too! Honestly, I think she might still enjoy it, and now she’s old enough she could make it herself and even add flowers, birds, and animals and have it in her room as wall art she can change whenever she’s in the mood! Yes, off to the op-shop for a big frame to put it in, I think she’ll love this!
Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls
Photo from muminthemadhouse.com
It was seeing this activity that made me think to compile this entire list! I love this activity! The little Croquis (the little models designers sketch their ideas onto) are so cute and I can see a wide variety of ages having so much fun with this! I think I might have to join in on this one when I set my daughter up with this activity. You could also incorporate scraps of ribbon, craft buttons, you name it!
Fabric Scrap Frames
Photo from lacreativemama.com
We had to go to Bunnings a couple of weekends ago, the American equivalent would be Home Depot, and my daughter spotted in the craft section a tiny wooden set of drawers, along with a bunch of other little wooden items. She loved them, but they looked a little rough on the outside because they’re meant to be painted, I suppose. This craft, of covering those inexpensive wooden frames with fabric made me think you could buy any of those little wooden crafty things that seem to be ubiquitous in craft and hardware stores and cover them, too! We might have to go back for those little drawers and some frames give this craft a go!
Scrap Fabric Treasure Map
Photo from barleyandbirch.com
Treasure map! Oh my Faerie Godmother do I love this craft! I cannot wait to do this one with my daughter! Honestly, a fabric treasure map, it’s just such a fantastic idea and such a great prop for imaginative play! I don’t know why exactly, but I just love the thought of finding treasure; it’s honestly a big part of why I love to go op-shopping (thrifting), because of the chance of finding something really special, that I will then declare, is treasure!
Monster Pencil Toppers
Photo from thecrafttrain.com
There was of course going to be some sewing projects in this list! These are very cute, customisable, and a great way to use up teeny tiny scraps of felt, which I always seem to have. I love that this is a great activity for kids, probably aged 6 and up, to have a go at hand-sewing, but that won’t take so long that they bored with it before they’re finished and then they can actually use their monsters on their pens and pencils.
Felt Board Tutorial
Photo from buggyandbuddy.com
Much like with the felt four seasons tree, this is such a customisable craft and one that can grow with your little ones. Depending on what your kids are into, you could have all sorts of different felt shapes, from animals, dress-up dolls, aliens, dinosaurs, anything!
Tic Tac Toe Pouch
Oh I do love a game that is this easy to clean up after! This is such a great, and obvious idea when you think about it. A great little thing to chuck in your handbag for the kids to play with in the back of the car or when waiting for appointments! You could even sew your own O’s and X’s so it was all soft! I’m going to have to raid my stash for this one ASAP!
Rainbow Cloud Cat Toy
Photo from sewing4free.com
You couldn’t have a fabric scrap list of craft activities without something for the cats! My daughter’s go-to sewing project is cat toys, and I love a happy cloud with a rainbow!
So, there you have it, 10 fabric scrap craft activities that are sure to be a great way bust down that scrap stash, and spend some quality time with your kids.
